PUREWA CEMETERY

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 6

PUREWA CEMETERY

With astonishment I read the report that sheep are to be run over the Purewa Cemetery. Evidently the only question considered is the labour costs incurred to combat the grass problem. I, for one, as a constant visitor to the cemetery, strongly object to any grazing. We observe on passing through the gates a notice. "This is God's Acre. Have respect for the dead." Our thoughts instantly pass to our dear ones resting within this acreage, and why should the board decide to permit the grazing of sheep over sacred spots dear to those of us bereaved ? The board could quite easily employ extra men to keep the cemetery in perfect order. The main roadway within the cemetery is just a jolty track. With casual observation, I realise the sexton and his men have far more to do than they can manage, and what is done is a credit to them, but why spend so much time on erecting cheap and unsightly fencing when there are so many more important jobs to do? Ordinary conveniences are a very glaring oversight on the part of the board. I strongly protest at guards being placed round plots. For everyone to demand protection would be a farreaching problem. One can imagine our labours of love well strewn all over the graves, not to say what damage will be done to emblems, vases and masonry. The board as a religious body should reconsider its decision and have "respect for the dead." O. BAXTER. The reported proposal of the St. John's College board to run slicep in the burial area of the Purewa Ceme'.ery should be reconsidered before the disastrous effects of this course of action are revealed. It would require a large flock of sheep to be effective for the purpose of keeping down the grass, and on week days, frightened by visitors, the sheep would stumble and smash through anything in their stampede. Damage would lie done to plots, glass emblems and ornaments, and also to tombstones by being constantly rubbed against. The sheep, naturally, will «ot discriminate between the prrass and carcfullytended plants and shrubs. Footpaths, too. will never be free from filth. The board will be well advised to find better means of keeping the grass below the seeding stage. ROUGH SHOD.